Police and immigration officials intervened today to rescue a 32-year-old Chinese man who was allegedly kidnapped and held captive in a pickup truck by a fellow Chinese gambler. The incident unfolded at 3 AM on June 27th in front of a Chinese restaurant located on Pattaya Second Road.
Authorities responded to reports and successfully rescued the victim, identified as Mr. Fu, from a white pickup truck parked in front of the restaurant. According to Mr. Fu’s statement to the police, the ordeal began after he met with Mr. Tian, a Chinese acquaintance involved in gambling, and Mr. Pichet, a Thai friend, at approximately 8 PM the previous evening.
Mr. Fu explained that he had organized football betting with clients facilitated by Mr. Tian acting as the bookmaker. However, Mr. Fu’s clients lost a significant sum of money totaling 24,000 yuan (over 120,000 Thai baht) and subsequently fled without paying. This left Mr. Fu unable to cover the debt, leading Mr. Tian to demand repayment directly from him.
Feeling threatened by Mr. Tian, who allegedly made severe threats including harm and torture by a scam gang, Mr. Fu initially paid 7,000 baht. Dissatisfied with this amount, Mr. Tian then instructed his associates to abduct Mr. Fu and confine him in the pickup truck, according to Mr. Fu’s account.
Pattaya police swiftly apprehended Mr. Tian following the rescue operation. He now faces charges that include intimidation, unlawful confinement, and assault. It remains unclear whether Mr. Fu sustained any injuries during the incident.
The article did not specify whether charges related to illegal football betting and gambling would be pursued, activities strictly prohibited in Thailand.
